He joins the San Francisco-based nonprofit from the American University in Cairo, where he has been president since 2003.

Prior to the American University in Cairo, Arnold worked at the Ford Foundation from 1984 to 1997.

The Asia Foundation was founded in 1954 and has 18 field offices in Asia. From those, it operates behind the scenes to strengthen human rights in the region, as well as to promote civil society and prosperity.

Last year, the foundation distributed over $86 million in program support.

“David has worked on the cutting edge of international development, philanthropy and education and is highly knowledgeable about the areas in which the foundation works: promoting the rule of law, empowering women, advancing human rights, reforming economic policy and advancing prosperity, justice and peace in Asia,” said Michael Armacost, The Asia Foundation’s chairman of the board executive committee and a former U.S. ambassador and under secretary of state.

Arnold replaces Douglas Bereuter, a former congressman who has been president of the Asia Foundation for six years. Bereuter will retire on Sept. 30; Arnold takes over on Jan. 1.